February 2011 Stroke Hero

At 19 weeks, Jennifer Ortiz had her gender sonogram and was excited to learn she was having a boy – Jude! After the doctor announced the gender, they advised that something could be wrong due to Jude’s ventricles in the brain were slightly enlarged. Jennifer was sent to have an in utero magnetic resolution imaging or MRI session.

The MRI revealed that Jude had suffered a vascular insult, later reclassified to a bi-lateral stroke. Jennifer and her husband Mike wrestled with what the right path would be for the pregnancy that included a number of consults with specialists. The doctors all said that no one could be sure what the prognosis would be; Jude might be “normal”, slightly delayed or have more profound issues. The various specialists followed the Ortiz pregnancy closely; it wasn’t long before they referred to Jude as the “Little Miracle”. Jude continued to grow and flourish in the womb. Jennifer and Mike were so excited to meet Jude when he was born; he even scored a 9.9 on the APGAR scale.

Jude grew quickly and began smiling, and then quickly rolling. One day soon after, Jennifer noticed Jude opening and closing his mouth; something she new was unusual. After two days of persistent symptoms, Jude was taken to the ER. The nurses quickly rushed the Ortiz family back while yelling at the doctor that Jude was having grand mal seizures. Jennifer was panicked! Hospital staff performed an MRI where the Ortiz family learned that Jude’s stroke had caused massive damage. The stroke was in Jude’s chorid plexus which is where the neurons are distributed from; Jude's neurons went the wrong direction...the condition is called Neuronal Migrational Disorder. The next two years were laced with hospital visits, EEG'S, tube feedings, and emotional roller coasters. Jennifer kept up with her feelings on her personal blog site.

During Jude's hospital stay, Jennifer's daughter (and Jude's big sister) Emily was inspired by her brother's struggle. She formed the charity emilyssmileboxes.com. At only ten years old she found the time and the courage to help other children. Jennifer admires Emily’s (and Jude’s) strength.

Jude has cerebral palsy, is legally blind, and has a severe seizure disorder. He can communicate through laughs and giggles. He is an inspiration to all who know and meet him, and is loved dearly. The Ortiz family does everything possible to continue his therapy sessions, and to provide Jude every opportunity to go as far as he can.

Jude and his story served as a mechanism in spreading education regarding in utero and childhood strokes. He is the Ortiz’ little hero; he is a hero to us all.

For these and so many more reasons, Jude is our February 2011 Stroke Hero of the Month!